Recently, homework has become a topic of debate globally. According to Oxford Learning, some assert its importance for reinforcing learning, while others argue it negatively affects students’ well-being.
One of the main advantages of homework is that it reinforces classroom learning. Students can deepen their understanding and better retain information by practicing skills and concepts at home. This repetition helps build knowledge, making it easier for students to recall and apply what they’ve learned.
“While in middle school, students have multiple subjects worth of homework that they need to balance,” Ms. DiLonardo said. “But, they are normally given multiple days for certain assignments, so if they do have extracurricular activities they need to balance when they are doing their other work.”
Homework also promotes the development of important life skills. Time management, responsibility, and self-discipline are important abilities that students obtain and learn through regular homework assignments. These skills are not only beneficial in academic settings but also in personal and professional life.
Another benefit of homework is that it provides an opportunity for parents to engage with their child’s education. By assisting with assignments, parents can look into what their children are learning and identify areas where they might need additional support. Similarly, teachers can identify specific topics that their students struggle with and re-teach them until the students develop a better understanding.
Homework is also a great way to prepare students for their tests. It helps to practice and review the material, which improves their ability to recall during tests. Many homework assignments mimic test formats, making you more familiar with what to expect during real ones and reducing anxiety. Multiple teachers also build their tests based on questions from students’ homework and the worksheets they solve.
“I think homework encourages students’ responsibility where they need to take ownership of their learning and get the task done independently at home,” Ms. DiLonardo said.
While homework provides benefits, it also has its drawbacks. It often overwhelms students with assignments, leading to a significant amount of stress. The pressure to complete homework on top of other responsibilities can cause anxiety, impacting students’ overall well-being and academic performance.
Another drawback is the limited free time that excessive homework imposes on students. With hours spent on homework, students often miss out on extracurricular activities, hobbies, and quality time with friends and family.
Inequality in resources is also a major concern. Not all students have equal access to necessary resources like the internet, books, or a quiet place to study. This can create an unfair environment, where some students struggle to complete their homework effectively. As a result, gaps in learning and achievement can widen.
Moreover, homework can create a negative attitude toward learning and raise questions about its educational value. When students see assignments as busy work or too challenging, they disengage and lose interest in their studies. Research shows that excessive homework can also lead students to cheat. According to Oxford Learning, with too much homework students end up copying off one another in an attempt to finish all their assignments.
